Deadpool 2 is One Of The Rare Superhero Sequels That Outshines The Original

      The 2018 summer box office movie season has begun with Avengers: Infinity War making it's splash at the box office and conquering the first weekends of May. With Deadpool 2, the hope is that Infinity War will not only hand off the box office crown to Deadpool 2, but also that the sequel to the 2016 smash hit is not only as good as the first film but surpasses it while making a bigger splash with audiences. Now that Deadpool 2 has been released, the verdict is that the much anticipated sequel to the original is not only more action-packed and funnier than the first film, but surpasses it overall in terms of quality.

       Deadpool 2 is one of the rare comic book movie sequels, that outshines the original in nearly every aspect from action to storytelling. This time the budget is much bigger allowing for more creative freedom and a bigger scope for the filmmakers to play with. The storyline for Deadpool 2 takes place after the events of the first film with the main character bringing together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy, possessing supernatural abilities, from the brutal time-traveling cyborg named Cable. Deadpool 2 feels like a combination of the first Deadpool mixed with the plot for Terminator 2: Judgment Day with a touch of X-Men: Days Of Future Past at the end, making for a helluva blockbuster ride. With Deadpool 2, Ryan Reynolds reprises the role he was born for and proves to be as equally engaging in this film as he was in the original. While the first Deadpool movie contained a much smaller budget, the story was more grounded allowing for the main character to be established as well as his romance with his one true love played by Morena Baccarin. Audiences fell in love with the character because unlike most comic book movies which are usually rated PG-13, Deadpool was obnoxious, uncensored, clever, and played like a satire of the comic book genre with Reynolds boasting undeniable charm in the role. His performance was so well received that the Golden Globe Awards nominated him for Best Actor in Musical or Comedy with the film ultimately receiving a Best Motion Picture nomination. Whereas many films flopped or disappointed at the box office in 2016, Deadpool proved to be one of the great yet unusual success stories of that year. Fast-Forward two years later to Deadpool 2.

      Deadpool 2 follows much of the formula that made the first film such a smash hit with the sequel getting an upgrade in the spectacle category. Taking over the directorial duties from newcomer Tim Miller, who helmed the first film, Deadpool 2 director David Leitch directs the sequel with the film having a similar look and feel that makes it feel like a true part 2 to the first film while delivering more explosions and special effects to go with the films mayhem. Despite the first movie being rightfully character-driven and story-based, the second film feels more personal than the previous despite the budget and scope being bigger this time. Reynolds carries the film on his shoulder once again with his charismatic performance with Josh Brolin defying fan expectations by turning in an effective performance as Cable. Much like the first film, Deadpool 2 is bold and unapologetic in his humor and lack of censorship, but it serves to stay true to the nature of the character.

      Whereas Robert Downey Jr. has proven to be the perfect choice to play the part of Iron Man in the Marvel Universe, Reynolds delivers the same impact with both movies demonstrating that he was the perfect choice for the role from the start, going as far as course correcting the awful Deadpool shown in the 2009 Wolverine: Origins film. As far as experiences go, Deadpool 2 proves to be a highly entertaining yet bombastic experience that builds upon what was established previously in the first film. Deadpool and Deadpool 2 are the equivalent of Bryan Singer's X-Men and X2: X-Men United with the first film being small in scope but does a strong job of establishing the story and characters with the sequel being bigger in almost every aspect. For audiences, the thrill is watching this character starting as being an antihero that answers to no one, but finds himself performing noble deeds that show deep down within all the potty-mouth antics, there's moments where Deadpools actions can be deemed to be that of a superhero.

      With endless amounts of laughs, pop culture references, and an upgrade in the characters and explosions, Deadpool 2 is the popcorn summer blockbuster entertainment, that adult comic book fans have been waiting for and desire to watch. In an era where comic book movies have dominated the box office while being more family-themed with their PG-13 ratings, it's refreshing to see an R rated comic book franchise meet the audience thirst for relentless commentary that's both clever, witty, and plays off the audiences knowledge of other movies and iconic characters. The Deadpool franchise was never intended to be aimed for kids and their successes show that there's an audience out there, that wants to see more adult-themed comic book characters on the big screen (Deadpool's success has helped speed up the development of rebooting Spawn). The film is fast-paced with the editing feeling as if the audience rarely has time to catch their breath with the mayhem unfolding on the big screen.

       Deadpool 2 is one of the rare sequels that successfully manages to meet the standards and expectations set forth by it's predecessor, while building upon that film's universe. Despite the film being bigger in scope, the story manages to feel just as personal or more than the original with Reynolds having much more creative freedom this time. His participation in this films production is evidenced by his name now appearing in the writing credits. Much like the first Deadpool, Deadpool 2 is not for everyone and should be seen strictly by those who love this character and thoroughly enjoyed the first film. If you're one of those who didn't find the first movie to be that great or overhyped, then this one could possibly win you over. One of the stronger films of 2018 thus far.

                                                                                                 
                                                                                                     FINAL VERDICT: SEE IT